Bozzone pulls out of world championship event

WELLINGTON: New Zealand Ironman champion Terenzo Bozzone has withdrawn from next month’s Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, having not yet fully recovered after being a cycling crash in July.

After a twoweek camp in Hawaii, Bozzone told followers on Instagram his body was not ready to compete in the gruelling Kona event.

‘‘Unfortunately, my body . . . isn’t quite ready to compete at the level necessary and a level that would reflect the respect I have for the event and the competitors,’’ he said.

‘‘The fire in my belly is still burning brightly and I thank you all for the amazing support and encouragement through this tough time.’’

Bozzone believes he was hit by a truck while on a ride in West Auckland but police said there was no evidence to suggest a truck was involved.

At the time he said ‘‘I’m disappointed that the driver of the vehicle that collided with me and caused the serious injuries that I am dealing with, has not come forward . . . an eyewitness reported seeing a truck at the scene of the accident.

‘‘However, while I have no memory of the crash, I am certain another vehicle was involved.

‘‘You don’t snap a very expensive bike like mine in two pieces and suffer the sorts of injuries I have by just falling off.

‘‘I’ve been in this sport for nearly 20 years so I think I am a very experienced rider.’’

Seven New Zealanders will compete at the world champs, five men: Cameron Brown, Simon Cochrane, Braden Currie, Callum Millward and Mike Phillips; and two women: Teresa Adam and Melanie Burke. — RNZ